As a police squad investigates a series of travel fraud complaints across Queensland, with some elderly people reported to have lost their life savings, they have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in relation to a “line dancing travel company”.
Queensland police believe the 37-year-old man “may have information to help solve fraud offences totalling more than $120,000 with trips organised via a line dancing travel company,” according to a police bulletin.
The line-dance holidays that fans paid for included group trips overseas and domestically, including line dancing festivals, balls and cruises.
Police have received over 70 complaints from members of the public across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast who paid money – only for the holiday to be cancelled with no refunds provided.
Officers believe there may be more scam victims and are appealing for those who believe they have been affected to contact them.
Anyone who may know of the whereabouts of the man pictured below is also asked to contact police. He is described as Caucasian, 173cm tall with brown hair and hazel eyes.
The Canberra Times reported that at least 100 people had lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to a “formerly reputable tour company”. Police are searching for the father and son behind the line dancing scam.
The paper said victims were mostly elderly people who developed a trusting relationship with the company during its 15 years of operation. They paid out for travel to compete in, or attend, social line dancing events.
Do you know this line-dancing man? Police would like to speak with him
Now police are boot scootin’ after persons of interest. A team of detectives based at Carseldine Police Station in Brisbane’s are working around the clock to track down the father and son they wish to speak to.
The report quoted Senior Sergeant Ken Rogers saying the victims’ money had been taken, but trip bookings to line dancing events were never made. Some victims had lost as much as AUD 10,000.
Complaints have flooded into the Office of Fair Trading and the Queensland Police Service.
People with any information are urged to contact Policelink on 131 444 or report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs a day. Quote this reference number: QP1900459648
Written by Peter Needham
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